Exemptions
Course code ORT6033
30 credits
Apply for an individual module
Key dates
This module runs twice a year.
September
Start date: 21 September 2024
End date: 28 March 2025
Closing date for applications: 26 August 2024
March
Start date: 7 March 2025
End date: 19 August 2025
Closing date for applications: 14 February 2025
Mode of attendance
An online introductory learning day will be held at the start of the module in either September or March where you will be able to meet your course tutors and fellow students. You will be able to participate in online lectures, tutorials and workshops on these introductory days and at further, periodic tutorials held online throughout the module.
Further details will be made available upon application.
MCQ Examination
Dates to be confirmed
Aim
To facilitate advanced practice in the area of prescription only and non-prescription exemption listed medicines for Orthoptists, by enhancing knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and actions of these specific medicines.
Background
In 2016, changes to The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were passed in government to allows the use of exemptions within the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 by Orthoptists. This change introduces exemptions for orthoptists to sell, supply and administer certain medicines. To use these exemptions, orthoptists must undertake a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved post-registration programme and obtain an annotation on the HCPC Register.
Medicines exempted for use by Orthoptists
These medicines can be categorised into:
- Prescription only medicines
-
a) Anti-microbials; chloramphenicol, fusidic acid
b) Antimuscarinics; atropine, cyclopentolate, tropicamide
c) Local anaesthetics; Lidocaine with fluorescein, Oxybuprocaine, Proxymetacaine, Tetracaine
- Non-prescription medicines either on the General Sales List or Pharmacy only list
-
For supply and administration in the course of professional practice, for example phenylephrine 2.5%, sodium cromoglicate, fluorescein and some ocular lubricants.
Overview of content
- Introduction
- Legal framework
- Pharmacology and Anatomy
- Communication
- Cycloplegia and Mydriasis
- Ocular lubricants
- Local anaesthetics
- Antimicrobials
- Administer and supply
- Record Keeping
- Continued Professional Development
Please note that successful completion of this Exemptions Module (ORT6033) would only lead to HCPC registered Orthoptists being eligible to apply for an annotation on the HCPC register to use Exemptions to supply medicines in clinical practice. No other eye care professionals other than Orthoptists would be eligible to apply to the HCPC for annotation.
Who can study this module
This module is available to anybody with a relevant qualification in the eye care profession. Currently we have Low Vision nurses, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists studying with us. We currently have a number of spaces open on this course to students who would like to take this one module as a standalone.
This module is also available to students undertaking the full MMedSci Vision and Strabismus degree and is an option for module three, the first module of the second year. For this reason, both standalone students and MMedSci Vision and Strabismus students will study alongside each other for the September intake at the introductory day.
Pre-requisites
In order to undertake this course you will need to first gain the support of a 'primary exemptions tutor'. This is a person who is currently qualified to supply and administer the medicines listed above. Ideally this would be an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or annotated orthoptist who you work with in your trust and with whom you have a good working relationship. You will need this person to fill out a 'primary exemptions tutor support form' available to download here: Primary Exemptions Tutor (PET) support form. Please send the completed and signed form by email to orthoptics@sheffield.ac.uk at the same time that you submit your application. Alternatively you can post it to us.
Your primary exemptions tutor will need to offer you mentorship and support throughout the course, for example having reflective discussions with you and signing off on any decisions to supply medicines not whilst you undertake the course, that are not already covered by an existing patient group or patient specific directive.
We have produced a primary exemptions tutor handbook which is available to download here: Primary Exemptions Tutor Handbook
Awards
The module is worth 30 credits and upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate which you can use, if registered as an Orthoptist with the HCPC, to apply to the HCPC to be annotated on the register as able to use Exemptions.
This module is available for study as a standalone module and as an optional module for either the MMedSci ACP Ophthalmology (paediatrics) or MMedSci (Vision and Strabismus) programmes. You could therefore combine this module with another from the MMedSci Vision and Strabismus programme to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Vision and Strabismus (60 credits), or you could combine this with another 90 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) as long as the credits are gained within a five-year time span.
You will receive a certificate of completion once you have successfully completed the module.
HCPC approval
This module has been approved by The Health and Care Professions Council.
How to apply for the module
Visit our how to apply page
International scholarships
We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee.
Applications are open for existing offer holders for programmes starting in autumn 2025.